Uncle Zach and Aunt Carissa

So I am several weeks behind on this post, but I wanted to share our special time that we had with my brother, Zach, and sister-in-law, Carissa.  We had the privilege of having them come visit us in March. Zach was here for almost a whole week so we got lots of time to show him around the city.  And when I say city I mean different parks, playgrounds and libraries, because that is just what we do around here :)

This was the first time they met Camden, and they sure were surprised by his chunkiness.  They also got some quality time with Parker.  Parker just loves having family in town.  He has so much fun playing with them and showing them all the fun things we do. 

We also did a few new things around Charlotte that we had never done before.  This is a park we had never visited and we are so glad we did!  I think it's so funny how every time people come into town we find something new to do that we didn't know about before.  I guess we often take advantage of living in a city and don't use it to its full potential. 

Once Aunt Carissa got here we took them to uptown (our downtown) to 7th Street Market.  Seriously, best latte ever.  We of course had no problem finishing ours off, and even scraped the mugs clean with the little spoons they gave us.  At least we didn't have to lick the mugs, right Riss? ;)   I just love this picture of them... The way that Parker is looking at Aunt Carissa just warms my heart. I think he's in love.

We ended the week with a service project at church.  We love taking our friends and family to experience the way God is moving through Elevation and some of things that we get to be a part of.

They ended their trip at our place on my birthday, which was such a special treat for me.  Philip also had many surprises planned for me that day, including a childless night out to a delicious dinner at Ruth's Chris. (A first time visit for him) and continuous videos from people that I love throughout the day.  Thanks to all that participated, and a special shout out to Philip who organized it all.  

We love visitors and welcome you to come see us :)  There are always new places to explore in this beautiful city.  Have a great rest of your week and happy late Easter.  

With Love, From Charlotte

Happy Birthday Hubby!

Today is a very special day for us, it is this guys' 28th birthday.

We have had such a good time celebrating him today, and hope that he has had a relaxing day.  The morning started out with giving him the opportunity to sleep in, (quite the luxury around this house)  and the boys and I decorated the downstairs for his big day.  We also went out to get his favorite Dunkin Donuts (Chocolate frosted sprinkles) and then made him some chorizzo to enjoy once he woke up.  We followed that up with a trip to the mall to spend some birthday money and a Chipotle Burrito. (Thanks Zach and Carissa!)  Now we are all relaxing and napping.  Tonight I have planned an evening out just the two of us, while some friends have offered to watch the boys.  (Thanks you Kelly and Chris!)

But what I really wanted to blog about today was how much I appreciate and love all that Philip is to me.  Philip and I met and then later started dating in high school, we were only 16 at the time, but I told him then that I would be his wife one day.  (Yes, 16 year old Philip was very freaked out by that) :)  Through many years of off and on dating, I am so grateful that he pursued me even when I didn't want to be or asked him not to.  I can't imagine doing life without him.  He is such an incredible man that I have had the opportunity to see so much growth and change in these last 14 years?!  Wow, That's officially half of our lives!  

As a husband Philip is right up there at the top.  He is our spiritual leader, and challenges me to learn and grow in my faith regularly.  He is the provider, he works so hard to make sure that we have a nice place to live, food on the table and more clothes than we need.  He includes me in making decisions, calls me out when that needs to happen (shocking I know!) and comforts me when I'm having a rough day.  He considers my needs and desires and we honestly have such a good time hanging out.  

As a dad Philip has blown me away and does continuously at how good of a dad he is.  Don't get me wrong, I have always known that he would be a great dad, but this guy is a natural.  He knows how to balance fun and adventure, with teaching and discipline.  Sometimes I don't know how he has the energy or patience to do all he does with our boys, but I know that I couldn't do it without him.  He is so intentional with making sure he spends the time that he has at home with each of our boys every opportunity he gets.  Thanks for being so invested in our kids babe,  I am so glad that they get to learn how to be the men they've been called to be from you!

This is one of our Fun Family Fridays.  Philip found a fun trail to take the boys on.  In this picture they are spying on the pretend bears and lions.  Parker loves "Adbentures with Daddy"

As a Man in Ministry Philip has had such an impact on so many people.  He is so gifted at encouraging and guiding people.  I love hearing him teach the Word, because he is so passionate about it.  He knows how to speak in such a way that makes God's Word apply to me, even if I can't always see it.  I have loved watching him grow in his new role at Elevation as an eGroups director.  Not only does he lead so many of the leaders within our church, but I see the ways that he communicates and impacts their lives each weekend.  

This is Philip at church one weekend, encouraging people to join a small group

Leading and encouraging our eGroup leaders on the Matthews location

As a Brother and a Son, Philip has always been so intentional with his family.  I love watching him form relationships with each person in our family.  He is so good at caring for each of them.  I often envy his ability to be so consistently intentional with our family.  He is so good at keeping in touch with each of them, and showing them that he cares for them. I think one of my favorite things to do is to watch him watch his family open up the Christmas gifts he got them.  I think he enjoys that more than opening his own gifts.  He is so thoughtful when it comes to giving something to someone, and he loves seeing the joy that comes with the gift.  Thank you for valuing our family!

 As a Friend, Philip is a keeper!  People have always been drawn to him.  He has always been a good friend to those around him, but lately I've been seeing a different side come out with his friends.  Not only does he have a good time and enjoy being around them, but I can see that the choices he's made as a husband and dad are admired and have been an example for those around him.  The way that he chooses to serve his family has been noticed and appreciated by those around him.  

As I didn't finish the blog before we left for our date I now have pictures from the evening. It was a kid free dinner and movie night! 

 This doesn't happen very often anymore, so it was welcomed for sure.  Philip, thank you for being the husband, dad, ministry man, brother, son and friend that you are to each of us. You are loved and appreciated!  

If you haven't had a chance to Facebook, call, text or send a fun video take a moment to do that, and let this guy know how much he means to you. 

With Love, From Charlotte